New International Council Strengthens Efforts to Address Three Decades of Atrocities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Council for the Examination of Atrocities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has officially launched, marking a significant step towards addressing the extensive human rights violations that have plagued the region for over thirty years. Co-chaired by prominent Congolese human rights activist Julienne Lusenge and Sir Howard Morrison KC, a leading expert in international criminal law from the UK, the Council aims to provide guidance to two key Congolese institutions: the National Fund for Reparations for Victims of Sexual Violence (FONAREV) and the Interministerial Commission for Victim Assistance and Reform Support (CIA-VAR).

Council’s Mandate and Objectives

The Council’s primary focus will be to analyze findings from the 2010 UN mapping report and recent human rights violations in Eastern DRC. It will offer expert insights into the legal and diplomatic processes necessary for securing formal recognition of atrocities committed over the past three decades, as well as ensuring accountability for the perpetrators. The Council comprises distinguished figures from international law, diplomacy, and academia, enhancing its credibility and effectiveness.

The inaugural meeting took place on July 13, 2026, where members were briefed on the ongoing initiatives of FONAREV and CIA-VAR. These initiatives include advocacy campaigns such as Plus Jamais Seuls, Nos Voix Pour Elles, and Ne Pas Oublier, which aim to improve access to transitional justice and provide urgent support to victims in conflict-affected areas.

Context of the DRC’s Human Rights Crisis

In his keynote address at UNGA 80 in September 2025, President Félix Tshisekedi called for international recognition of what he termed a “silent genocide” occurring in the DRC. He urged UN member states to support an independent international commission of inquiry to address the cycle of impunity that has allowed such atrocities to persist. The President also advocated for UN sanctions against those responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in the eastern regions of the country.

Lusenge echoed these sentiments during the Council’s first meeting, emphasizing the need to “break the silence” surrounding the suffering of victims and survivors.

Recent Developments and Legal Actions

In a significant legal move, the DRC recently filed a petition with the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Rwanda of violating the 1948 UN Genocide Convention. While the Council operates independently from this legal process, its members acknowledged the importance of providing guidance to FONAREV and CIA-VAR as they navigate these proceedings.

Patrick Fata Makunga, Director General of FONAREV, stated that the establishment of the Council represents a crucial step toward achieving truth, justice, and reparations for the victims of grave crimes in the DRC. He highlighted the Council’s role in guiding FONAREV and CIA-VAR through the ICJ process and other legal avenues, asserting that lasting peace cannot be achieved without acknowledging the suffering of victims and ensuring full reparations.

François Kakese Kimaza, Executive Coordinator of CIA-VAR, noted that the formation of the Council aligns with their mission to amplify the voices of victims and demand accountability on the international stage. He expressed pride in the caliber of expertise represented within the Council, which spans human rights, international law, and diplomacy.

Leadership and Council Composition

The Council is co-chaired by Julienne Lusenge and Sir Howard Morrison KC. Lusenge, a leading advocate for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, has over four decades of experience in the DRC. She co-founded Solidarité Féminine pour la Paix et le Développement Intégral (SOFEPADI) and has played a pivotal role in supporting the prosecution of over 800 perpetrators of gender-based violence.

Sir Howard Morrison KC has a distinguished legal career, having served as a judge at various international tribunals, including the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and the International Criminal Court. His extensive experience in international criminal law positions him as a key figure in the Council’s efforts to address the DRC’s human rights crisis.

Other notable members of the Council include:

• Patrick Hayford, a former Ghanaian diplomat with extensive experience in international affairs.
• Stephen Rapp, former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues and Chief Prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone.
• Nina Jørgensen, an international judge and academic specializing in public international law.
• Pascal Turlan, a French expert in international criminal justice and former official at the International Criminal Court.

This diverse assembly of experts aims to provide comprehensive support to the DRC in its pursuit of transitional justice and accountability for past atrocities.

For further information, visit the Council for the Examination of Atrocities in the DRC.

Published on 2026-07-15 21:41:00 • By the Editorial Desk